Chapter 27

• Bustan's POV
• I sat at the head of the long, carved wooden table in the council chamber, my fingers tapping against the armrest, a steady rhythm to keep my mind focused. The room was filled with the most powerful wolves in the kingdom—advisors and elders who had stood by my side since I became king. But today, their faces were more severe than usual. I had expected their coming the moment the war started. I knew why they had gathered. This wasn’t just about the growing threat of Nate’s attacks—it was about Olivia. And my rule.
• Roderick, the eldest among them, and one of the wolves who had served my father before me, cleared his throat. “Bustan, the council has come together to address...concerns,” he started, his voice trailed off. His sharp gaze cut through the room. “The people are growing uneasy. Nate’s attacks are becoming more frequent, and they sense the kingdom is vulnerable. They question your ability to secure your rule, especially with the... developments surrounding Olivia.”
• I tightened my grip on the chair, fighting to keep my expression neutral. I knew this conversation was inevitable, but it didn’t make it any easier to hear. “Developments?” I asked, leaning forward. “If you mean the power Olivia has begun to show, I am well aware of it. We’re handling it.”
• Roderick exchanged glances with some of the other council members. It was obvious they had been talking about this for a while before coming to me. “It’s not just her power, Bustan,” Roderick continued. “It’s her place. The people are unsure what she is to you. Is she merely a woman in your palace? Or do you intend to make her your Luna Queen?”
• I felt a muscle in my jaw twitch at the mention of making Luna Olivia . My thoughts had been consumed with the complexity of her powers and Nate’s relentless pursuit. I hadn’t stopped to consider how others perceived our relationship—or how the council viewed it. Olivia was more than just another wolf in my palace. She was... she was everything to me, but I hadn’t yet claimed her in the way a king should claim his queen. And now, it was causing unrest.
• “Is that what this is about?” I asked, my voice hardening. “You’re questioning my leadership because I haven’t made a public declaration about Olivia?”
• One of the other council members, Garin, leaned forward. “We question nothing lightly, Your Majesty. But you must understand, she wields a power we have never seen before. The people don’t know whether to fear her or worship her. And if they fear her, they will fear your leadership as well. They will see you as weak, unable to control the chaos in your own palace.”
• His words cut deep, and I took a moment before responding. “Olivia is not a threat,” I said, trying to steady the anger that simmered just below the surface. “She has shown remarkable strength, yes, but she’s learning to control it. And as for her place beside me... that is my decision.”
• Roderick shook his head. “That decision affects all of us. If you intend for her to be your Luna Queen, then say it. Make it known. But if not, then we need to have a conversation about how to ensure the safety of this kingdom. Because right now, the people don’t trust her, and they don’t know what she is to you.”
• I could feel the weight of their eyes on me, waiting for a response, for some declaration that would settle their minds. But how could I make them understand? Olivia was unlike anyone I’d ever known. She was powerful, unpredictable, and the only one who stirred something deep within me that I couldn’t ignore. But claiming her publicly was a step I hadn’t yet taken.
• “If I declare her my Luna Queen now,” I said slowly, “it would put a target on her back. Nate is already obsessed with her—declaring her mine would only fuel his desire to claim her.”
• Garin frowned. “So you admit that Nate is a threat?”
• “Of course, he’s a threat,” I growled. “He’s always been a threat. But I won’t give him more reason to come after her. Not when we’re still dealing with the attacks at our borders.”
• Roderick sighed, his tone softening, as if he were trying to reason with me. “Bustan, this is more than just about Nate. This is about your people, your kingdom. They need to know where Olivia stands. They need to know if she’s going to lead them with you or if she’s a risk they can’t afford.”
• I clenched my fists, frustration building inside me. I wanted to protect Olivia, to keep her safe from the scrutiny of the council and the threats outside our walls. But I couldn’t ignore the reality of the situation. The longer I hesitated, the more vulnerable we became.
• “I’m not sending her away,” I said firmly. “If that’s what you’re suggesting. She stays with me.”
• Roderick nodded, but his expression remained grim. “Then it’s time you decide what her role will be. The longer you wait, the more unstable things become. And Nate will exploit any sign of weakness.”
• I stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the stone floor as I pushed it back. “Enough,” I said, my voice echoing in the chamber. “I’ve heard your concerns, and I’ll consider what you’ve said. But Olivia’s place is by my side, and I won’t tolerate anyone questioning her loyalty—or mine.”
• With that, I stormed out of the room, the door slamming shut behind me. My heart pounded in my chest as I made my way through the corridors, the weight of the council’s words pressing down on me. I knew they were right, in their own way. I couldn’t keep Olivia hidden from the world, not with the power she held and the influence she was beginning to have on those around her.
• But claiming her as my Luna Queen? That was a decision I couldn’t make lightly. And it wasn’t one I could make without talking to Olivia first.